Focus | The world's leading construction magazine

How construction can (help to) save the world

2021-09-22T05:00:00+01:00

As part of our countdown to the Cop26 conference in Glasgow in November, we put out a call across the industry asking people to identify one idea that could effect positive change. This is the first in a series of their responses

Cost model: Net zero homes
2021-09-22T05:00:00+01:00
As net zero carbon becomes a guiding principle across all new buildings but with so many design and construction issues yet to be solved or standardised, creating housing stock is a challenge, explains Aecom’s Rob Mills
It’s a wrap: restoring Selfridges’ showstopper status
2021-09-21T05:00:00+01:00
As if one shocking shopfront look wasn’t enough, Birmingham’s sassy Selfridges has donned a temporary garb of even greater gaudiness while faults are fixed in the glittering blue chainmail below. Thomas Lane explains the technical challenges
In Business: Nigel Webb, the man driving British Land
2021-09-20T05:00:00+01:00
Nigel Webb, head of development at British Land, talks to Dave Rogers about the return to the office, upcoming projects and why construction needs to become more like the car industry
A doughnut-shaped solution to help save the world
2021-09-20T06:00:00+01:00
Building has been asking a wide range of industry figures what construction can do to help the UK hit net zero targets. To kick off the series, Professor Tim Ibell proffers a sweet-sounding solution
As Cleveland Bridge teeters on the brink, it will forever be associated with Wembley
2021-09-17T05:00:00+01:00
The firm might not be the biggest to go under, but its work on the stadium ensured that its name stayed in the headlines
Michael Gove and housing: what you need to know
2021-09-16T09:00:00+01:00
Michael Gove is a political heavy-weight and household name, but what do we know about his views on housing, planning and the environment?
Watch: CO-RE chief executive David Ainsworth video interview
2021-09-16T05:00:00+01:00
Alinea’s Steve Watts talks to the London development management specialist about the office market
Steeling ourselves for climate change
2021-09-16T05:00:00+01:00
In the second in our series on materials, Thomas Lane looks at the ways in which the steel industry can reduce its carbon emissions
Rebuilding Peru after the El Niño floods
2021-09-15T08:00:00+01:00
After large areas of Peru were devastated in the wake of 2017’s El Niño, it looked to the UK to provide expert assistance in its rebuilding efforts.
When it’s hard to find the words: creating architectural terms in sign language
2021-09-14T05:00:00+01:00
The absence of agreed signs for architectural terms is a major barrier for deaf people working in the built environment – so Chris Laing started the Signstrokes project to change that
Procurement in an inflationary market
2021-09-13T05:00:00+01:00
With some materials prices going through the roof, inflation has become the hot topic for 2021. Simon Rawlinson of Arcadis examines what is causing the problem and what mitigation options clients have
Independent review into the RICS scandal: key findings
2021-09-10T07:02:00+01:00
Bombshell report by Alison Levitt QC that led to resignation of four of the RICS’ senior team explained
‘They’re now taking succession very seriously.’ Laing O’Rourke fires starting gun in race to replace Ray
2021-09-01T05:00:00+01:00
It’s a question that’s been asked for years and the firm’s founder seems to have come up with an answer
A lab of two halves … Warwick’s bold bid to keep those nasty bugs at bay
2021-08-20T05:00:00+01:00
Designed by Hawkins\Brown, Warwick university’s new £54.3m interdisciplinary biomedical research facility features contrasting facades of dark bronze and white concrete that reflect the two different aspects of what is happening inside
Wolfson College, Oxford: first-class graduates in energy efficiency
2021-08-19T05:00:00+01:00
Wolfson College in Oxford has set out to cut 75% of emissions on its main estate by March next year and plans to be net zero by 2030
Can anyone save the RIBA?
2021-08-18T05:00:00+01:00
With a new president takes over next month, many are asking what is next for the organisation
Nicholas Boys Smith: ‘A bit of controversy forces you to have the conversation’
2021-08-17T05:00:00+01:00
Nicholas Boys Smith talks to Joey Gardiner about the government’s intentions and how they square with his beauty agenda
It’s takeover time in the UK consultancy market
2021-08-16T05:00:00+01:00
The appetite of US giants for venerable UK brands shows no sign of abating. So who is next?

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Interviews

5 minutes with … Matt Townend at Ecoworld London

2021-09-03T08:10:00+01:00

The EcoWorld COO on the satisfaction he gets from creating a new environment, the challenge of getting the best out of his staff and how he enjoyed finally convincing his friends that he wasn’t an estate agent

5 minutes with … Nick Fairham at BDP

2021-08-27T06:00:00+01:00

BDP’s new chief executive is optimistic about the future and how the next generation can shape the industry. He has collected too much mid-century furniture and is apparently a pretty good hairdresser